Papua New Guinea have began identifying talent for the upcoming OFC Olympic Qualifiers in Fiji.

Yesterday marked the first day of trial training camp held at the PNGFA academy in Lae to select a squad to compete in the Under- 23 men’s Olympics qualifier’s from March 1-10

The coaching staff headed by Queensland-based George Cowie and assisted by Joe Turia and John Davani have been observing 27 players from Goroka, Mount Hagen, Madang, Lae and Wabag. They will be put through a number of various tests over the next two days.

The coaching staff identified many of the trialist’s from the Telikom National Soccer League following the triple header in Lae on Saturday.

Turia said the next two days provided an opportunity for others outside the NSL to show what they could do.

“Only Gelle Hills NSL franchise didn’t play on the weekend, but we will have a look at them this Saturday,” said Turia.

Turia confirmed they have named two overseas players – William Mobbs (Sydney) and Alex Davani (Brisbane) in the selection pool.

The National Soccer League is helping to improve the standard in PNG and the men’s team will be tough and aggressive as a result of George Cowie coaching.

PNG will meet the Solomon Islands in their opening game of the tournament on March 1.

PNG OFC Olympic Qualifiers Draw

Match Day 1 – 1 March 2008*

Papua New Guinea vs Solomon Islands

Match Day 2 – 3 March 2008*

Fiji vs Papua New Guinea

Match Day 3 – 5 March 2008*

Papua New Guinea vs New Zealand

Match Day 4 – 7 March 2008*

Cook Islands vs Papua New Guinea

Match Day 5 – 9 March 2008*

Vanuatu vs Papua New Guinea

*Kick-off times and venues to be confirmed

Telikom National Soccer League Ladder as of 29.01.08